Tenney: Be On The Watch For Animal Cruelty

June 13, 2012

Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R,C,I- New Hartford) is celebrating Animal Advocacy Day today in Albany with her furry friend Emily, her Jack Russell terrier.

“For many of us, our pets are part of our family. The amount of enjoyment our animal friends bring into our lives is immeasurable. This second annual Animal Advocacy Day highlights the positive role animals play in our lives, and stands as a reminder that animal cruelty is still a very real problem in many communities,” said Tenney.

Residents are encouraged to report incidents of animal cruelty to local authorities and/or the ASPCA. According to the ASPCA, animal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

Tick or flea infestations

Wounds on the body

Patches of missing hair

Extremely thin, starving animal

Limping

An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal

Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard

Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

“Studies have shown that animal cruelty is one of four indicators of those at greater risk to perpetuate domestic violence. In fact, 12 separate studies have shown that 48 percent of women, and their children, are less likely to leave an environment of domestic violence out of fear of leaving their animals behind; women who seek safety at shelters are nearly 11 times more likely to report that their partner has hurt or killed their animals than women who have not experienced domestic abuse,” said Tenney.

“This Animal Advocacy Day, I hope that everyone pauses and thinks about the joy their pet brings into their life and what they can do to help other animals who are less fortunate than their own pets. I encourage everyone to be mindful of the horrors of animal cruelty, and for the sake of the animal and the families who may be in similarly violent environments, to report any cases of cruelty to the authorities,” said Tenney.